Þorleifur Gunnar Gíslason — Reykjavik, Iceland

"I have been a fan of modernism and minimalism in general for as long as I can remember. I like to simplify things and work my way from there. A typical Scandinavian approach, I would say. But I also like abstractions and the controlled chaos that goes with that. It’s all about balance after all and I think that’s the key to producing something nice: to keep things balanced."

Þorleifur Gunnar Gíslason studied visual communication abroad before moving back to Iceland to start working in a small advertising firm. When the Icelandic banks collapsed in 2008, his life was turned upside down and, finding himself suddenly unemployed, he enrolled at the Icelandic Academy of the Arts, graduating earlier this year. He is now doing some freelance work and experimenting with styles and methodology.